Barriers IdentifiedAlcohol Use Problems (modified CAGE can be used for other drug use problems)

Number and Types of QuestionsFour 'yes' or 'no' questions

Target PopulationAdults and Youth

Methodological InformationSources differ on the methodological assessment of the CAGE. Although one source reports the CAGE's sensitivity and specificity levels as acceptable (at cut-score of two affirmative responses, 75 percent of alcoholics are correctly identified as alcoholics and 95 percent of non-alcoholics are identified correctly), another source indicates that the reliability and validity have been demonstrated in clinical settings but are untested with a general population.2

ImplementationThe tool can be completed individually or as part of a group. It can be self-administered and self-reported or it can be conducted by a clinician. It takes approximately one minute to complete. It should be completed as part of the individuals general history. A total of two or more positive answers indicates a history of alcoholism.

CostNone

Source or PublisherDr. John EwingBowles Center for Alcohol StudiesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC

Number and Types of QuestionsSeventy-eight true/false and scaled questions

Target PopulationAdults and adolescents ages 12-18

Methodological InformationThe SASSI is an empirically validated screening and is effective as an aid in treatment planning. The instrument correctly classified substance dependent people in about 93 percent of all cases with approximately seven percent error in classifying nondependent people as dependent (false positives) and six percent error in classifying dependent people as nondependent (false negatives). 3

ImplementationSelf-administered, paper and pencil or computerized test that takes 10-15 minutes to take and less than five minutes to score. Must be scored by a trained caseworker. Caseworkers are trained by a SASSI consultant.

Cost$75.00 for a manual, 25 questionnaires and profiles, scoring key, and a sample scored questionnaire with profile

Number and Types of QuestionsSixteen questions 'yes' or 'no' questions regarding consumption, problem recognition, experience with adverse consequences (including symptoms, preoccupation, loss of control), feelings of guilt, family history, and awareness of past or present problem.

Target PopulationAdults and adolescents at risk of having an AOD abuse problem

Methodological InformationMeasurement scope intended to be limited to screening for potential problems, not establishing a diagnosis. Questions answered 'yes' are scored as '1.' A score of 0-1 indicates no to low risk of AOD abuse, 2-3 minimal risk, and greater than or equal to 4 moderate to high risk; possible need for further assessment.

ImplementationTwo forms are available, one for use in an interview setting, the other can be self-administered. Each takes no more than 10-15 minutes. Can be used by a diverse group of outreach workers, paraprofessionals and professionals in the fields of both AOD abuse and infectious diseases. The clinical decision for individuals who score positive on the instrument would be referred for a more comprehensive assessment or for a complete diagnostic evaluation.

Number and Types of QuestionsEight scaled questions, two 'yes' or 'no' questions. There are three questions on the amount and frequency of drinking, three questions on alcohol dependence, and four on problems caused by alcohol

Target PopulationNot specifically designed for use with TANF recipients. Appropriate for use with primary care, emergency room, surgery, and psychiatric patients; DWI offenders, criminals in court, jail, and prison; enlisted men in the Armed Forces; and workers encountered in employee assistance programs and industrial settings.

ImplementationAUDIT is a self-report paper and pencil or interview tool. Time required to complete is two minutes. Training is required for administration. The AUDIT is available in Japanese, Romanian, and Norwegian. Time required for scoring is one minute.

Methodological InformationThis tool was found to be correct about 75 percent of the time, according to one study. No validity data is available for the DAST-20 at this time. One review finds that the DAST - 20 is very useful for identifying minimal and heavy substance users; however, this same review states that the DAST - 20 is probably not the best option for screening individuals with moderate substance abuse issues.5

ImplementationWhile no training is needed to administer this paper and pencil tool, it is recommended that it be administered by experienced workers or professionals.

Target PopulationDeveloped for arrestees; considered appropriate for general population suspected of substance abuse or dependence

Methodological InformationDescribed as providing "definitive support" for substance-specific abuse or dependence diagnosis based on DSM-IV criteria.6

ImplementationCan be used as a routine part of clinical intake or part of a substancerelated diagnostic workup. Can be administered in a comprehensive interview or in segments. Requires 35-45 minutes to complete; scoring can be completed within five minutes.

Cost$23.00 for an Administration Guide plus five interviews; $62.50 for additional sets of 25 interviews

Number and Types of QuestionsNine 'yes' or 'no' questions about alcohol/substance abuse in the last 12 months

Target PopulationTANF clients

Methodological InformationNot available

ImplementationAll TANF applicants are screened for the possibility of drug and alcohol using this one-page tool. Training for staff administering the tool is not mandatory, but is provided through workshops, seminars, and teleconferences.

CostNone

Source or PublisherNew York Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)

Number and Types of QuestionsSix 'yes' or 'no' questions (similar to CAGE)

Target PopulationDeveloped for arrestees; considered appropriate for general popula-tion suspected of substance abuse or dependence

Methodological InformationTwo or more positive responses indicate possible abuse or dependence. Using this cut score produces sensitivities in a clinical population for alcohol, cocaine and marijuana of 93 percent, 94 percent, and 82 percent respectively. Specificities for this cut-off are 97 percent, 99 percent, and 97 percent respectively. Four or more positive responses strongly indicate dependence.

Number and Types of QuestionsFive questions; four 'yes' or 'no' questions (similar to UNCOPE and CAGE)

Target PopulationPregnant women

Methodological InformationValidated among women. 7 'Tolerance' and 'Worried' questions each contribute two points; other three items contribute one point each. Tolerance score of two given if applicant reports being able to hold six or more drinks. A total score of two indicates that obstetric patients are likely to be risk drinkers. Cut-points of three and four are better than two for identifying harmful drinking and alcoholism.

ImplementationPaper and pencil; self-administered or interview setting; computer administration also available. Requires less than two minutes to complete. No training is required for administration.

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